In short: Organisers didn't seem to care . . .In full: Travelled down from Glasgow for this race. After a long drive down on the Saturday, we turned up at the course to check it out. The organisers were putting up signs on the course so we asked for directions around the route - we got a rather dismissive 'just follow the road' reply.Sunday was so hot that I had to pull out after 18 miles - again the organisers were very uncaring and unhelpful. Okay, so they couldn't do anything about the weather - but perhaphs if they had allowed runners to spend 10 minutes in the shade after each lap a number of runners who dropped out could at least have had the satisfaction of completing the race. Instead the organisers insisted on applying there normal cut-off time - making it inachievable for many in the sweltering heat. Bad show guys - being a small run I expected friendly organisers - perhaps you were suffering from heatstroke too!!! ((NOTE: At least the runners were friendly and we all shared a good few moans about the sun))Date of review: October 4, 2011

In short: Flat course with PB Potential. Hot weather made finishing a big achievement.In full: I had hoped to run a sub 3:10 to get into London. I soon decided that it was not going to happen in the scorching heat. I have never seen so many people retire from a small race. I don't blame them it was a brutal run.

The race itself was well organised. I liked the 2.2 Mile lap format. It seemed to break the distance up into more manageable sections. The drinks station was superb and the finish was in a picture perfect location. Good showers and refreashments afterwards along with ample car parking and easy access from the motorway made the race very hassle free to attend.Another plus is that as the race is on very quite country roads and multiple laps it is great for family and friends to spectate.The only minor negatives were the marshalls counting the runners laps advised several runners they had run fewer laps than they actually had,however they corrected themselves when questioned. It is not easy when so many runners are passing and also trying to keep track of the retired runners of which there were many and all in the heat so they should be thanked for their efforts.Another negative was the lack of someone handing out the memento's at the finish, you had to collect them yourself from the registration area,the memento's were really excellent so it was a shame.The heat is obviously uncontrollable but an earlier start would have been advisable.Overall a really great event. I found the atmosphere friendly and whilst not masses of spectators they were all very encouraging.A big thaks to all the marshall's, Ambulance staff, spectators,and fellow runners for a great day. And the person who set up the hose was a saviour.I'll be back on a coller day for that sub 3:10.Date of review: June 30, 2011

In short: So glad when it was over! In full: Like so many others I needed a GFA for London and this was the only one left. Mission accomplished as fortunately I only needed a sub-5 so the heat wasn't as big a problem as quicker runners had, but I did have to put up with it for longer! I understand it was the venue, and not the organisers, who insisted that the Charity 10k started first so an earlier start wasn't possible. Full marks for the constant supply of water and Hi-5 and the classy momento. But with just 53 finishers perhaps a survivors' T-shirt would have been more appropriate. All in all a perfect training run for The Marathon des Sables and no I will positively never, not, no way do it again! Date of review: June 28, 2011

In short: earlier start would be betterIn full: thankfully there were plenty drinks on the routeand thank God for the house that rigged up thehose-what a saver that was.at this time of year starting a marathon at11-15 is risky and should be started 9-30 atthe latest. the heat and conditions today werebrutal and the amount of runners who pulled outhaving started was incredible.my respects to everyone who finished today regardless of their time and also thanks to the organisers for seeing everyone in.I would agree though, it would have been niceto be presented with your momento having crossedthe finish line.

In short: Flat, fast and scenic, if multiple laps suit your mindset, then this is the race for you. In full: First, hearty thanks to the organisers, marshalls, drink dispensers, supporters and the person who rigged up their garden hose to douse the overheating runners.

In brief, the race is run over 12 laps around quiet country lanes, finishing in the picturesque grounds of Boddingtom Manor (no leafy final few metres has ever been more welcome.)

On a cooler day, and if multiple laps are your thing, this would certainly have PB potential. The only downside is that the scenery does tend to get a bit monotonous (all those hedgerows).

Congratulations to all finishers, it seems the heat did for half the field.Date of review: June 27, 2011

In short: What a scorcher!In full: First up, let me thank everyone involved in organising the event including all the supporters who stayed out in the unbelieveably hot conditions.As previous posts from previous years have said, the course is a little dull as it is circuits of 2.2 odd miles. That said, it did help as you knew exactly how far you had to go to get a drink!

This was my first marathon so I have nothing to judge it by, but it all seemed to flow quite nicely. Only suggestions would have been to start the 50k and marathon around 9am and the 10k a bit later as we were running in the midday heat. Also it would have been nice to have someone giving out the bags and mementos (which were excellent) rather than just picking them up yourself. Makes it a bit more special.

A big well done to everyone who took part; for those who were not there, the heat was just astonishing. A 50% drop out rate sums it all up.Date of review: June 27, 2011